How To Ease Bladder Pain

Get A Diagnosis Not A Self

Its also important to consider whether the uterus and other organs of the gynecological system could be causing bladder pain, Siddiqui says, as they are close to the bladder. Pelvic floor dysfunction, such as tightness or spasms of the pelvic muscles, commonly occurs with bladder pain and may make bladder pain worse, she explains. Pelvic pain can also be caused by endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or ovarian cysts. Additionally, gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel diseases can sometimes be the source of pelvic pain, notes Mayo Clinic.

If none of these conditions are present and women have ongoing bladder pain, they are typically treated for bladder pain syndrome, which refers to painful conditions of the bladder where other causes such as UTI and cancer have been excluded,â says Siddiqui.

The bottom line for women to keep in mind: Dont self-diagnose your bladder pain. Addressing and treating the issue can offer relief for body and mind.

Complementary And Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture. Some research has suggested that bladder-specific acupuncture may significantly reduce bladder muscle contractions and the urge to use the bathroom.

Biofeedback. Biofeedback is a method that teaches the mind how to control normally automated body functions. Bladder training is a type of biofeedback. Some doctors believe biofeedback and behavioral changes work better than medicines for treating urge incontinence. A combination of biofeedback and medications may work best.

Avoid Vitamin C If You’re Already Experiencing Uti Symptoms

Vitamin C is known to help prevent UTIs by acidifying the urine, which can kill certain bacteria present in the urinary tract. But Dr. Sherry warns if you already have a UTI or are experiencing real symptoms of one, vitamin C will not be effective in killing off bacteria. This is because unless you know the exact bacteria causing the UTI, vitamin Calthough helpfulmay not be doing enough to kill the infection youre experiencing.

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What Is Interstitial Cystitis/bladder Pain Syndrome

Interstitial cystitis /bladder pain syndrome is a chronic bladder health issue. It is a feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder area. Along with this pain are lower urinary tract symptoms which have lasted for more than 6 weeks, without having an infection or other clear causes.

Symptoms range from mild to severe. For some patients the symptoms may come and go, and for others they donât go away. IC/BPS is not an infection, but it may feel like a bladder infection. Women with IC/BPS may feel pain when having sex. The more severe cases of IC/BPS can affect your life and your loved ones. Some people with IC/BPS have other health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other pain syndromes.

The bladder and kidneys are part of the urinary system, the organs in our bodies that make, store, and pass urine. You have 2 kidneys that make urine. Then urine is stored in the bladder. The muscles in the lower part of your abdomen hold your bladder in place.

How the Urinary System Works

Bladder Pain In Women And Men

Bladder pain is more common in women. This is likely due to the fact that the two most common causes of bladder pain urinary tract infections and interstitial cystitis more often affect women than men. It may be also due to the fact that the bladder comes into direct contact with a womans reproductive organs, which may cause irritation and aggravate symptoms.

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How To Get Rid Of A Bladder Infection Fast

If youre reading this post, youre likely in the midst of a bladder infection or urinary tract infection and are in some serious need of relief now! We get it UTIs are no fun they can be really painful, leave you rushing to the bathroom nonstop, and can even lead to leaks. So its no wonder youre researching quick cures for bladder infections.

The best thing you can do for fast relief from a bladder infection is to is see your doctor, and get an antibiotic.

Antibiotics kill the bacteria that causes bladder infections and are the best way to stop a UTI in its tracks. They typically work pretty quickly, although be sure to take your medication for the full course, even if youre feeling better sooner than that. So, if youve been experiencing a UTI for more than a couple of days, make an appointment with your doctor now to get treatment.

Can You Treat A Uti Without Antibiotics

If youre experiencing the symptoms of a UTI, you should always check in with your doctor first.

Because theyre at higher risk for complications, men and pregnant women should never try to treat a UTI at home, according to Rena Malik, M.D., a urologist and director of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

But for some women with no other serious health problems, it can be possible to treat a UTI at home, without antibiotics. For instance, mild or uncomplicated UTIs may clear out of the bladder naturally, as a strong immune system can help resolve these infections.

To boost your immune system and help reduce your risk of severe UTIs, its important to stay well-hydrated and incorporate essential vitamins and nutrients into your diet. And while these methods wont treat your UTI as effectively as antibiotics after its occured, they can help prevent future ones from occurring.

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How To Relieve Uti Pain At Night

If youve ever had a urinary tract infection , you know they can cause incredible pain and discomfort.

And theyre extremely common: More than half of all women will experience a UTI in their lifetime, and though less common, men can get them as well.

UTIs occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract, infecting parts of the urinary system including the bladder, urethra, and kidney.

The symptoms of a UTI can result in disturbed, restless nights with burning sensations, frequent urges to urinate, and sometimes abdominal or flank pain and cramping.

While UTI treatment requires a course of prescription antibiotics, there are also home remedies and over-the-counter treatments that can help relieve pain so you can sleep.

In this article, Ill go over a few of these remedies, the common symptoms of UTIs, ways to prevent future infections, and discuss when its time to speak with a healthcare provider about your symptoms.

Should I Limit The Amount Of Fluids I Drink

No. Many people with bladder pain syndrome think they should drink less to relieve pain and reduce the number of times they go to the bathroom. But you need fluids, especially water, for good health. Getting enough fluids helps keep your kidneys and bladder healthy, prevent urinary tract infections, and prevent constipation, which may make your symptoms worse.9

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Other Ways To Help Manage A Uti:

• Drinking plenty of water may help to dilute your urine and help flush out bacteria that causes UTIs.
• Avoid coffee, alcohol and soft drinks that contain citrus juices and caffeine. They can irritate your bladder and aggravate your need to urinate. No thanks.
• Place a heating pad over your abdomen to help ease pressure and discomfort.
• Once your UTI is treated, maintain a healthy urinary tract with AZO Cranberry®, in the form of your choice: caplets, softgels or gummies.*

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How Are Urinary Tract Infections Treated

You will need to treat a urinary tract infection. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria and fight an infection. Antibiotics are typically used to treat urinary tract infections. Your healthcare provider will pick a drug that best treats the particular bacteria thats causing your infection. Some commonly used antibiotics can include:

• Nitrofurantoin.

Its very important that you follow your healthcare providers directions for taking the medicine. Dont stop taking the antibiotic because your symptoms go away and you start feeling better. If the infection is not treated completely with the full course of antibiotics, it can return.

If you have a history of frequent urinary tract infections, you may be given a prescription for antibiotics that you would take at the first onset of symptoms. Other patients may be given antibiotics to take every day, every other day, or after sexual intercourse to prevent the infection. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment option for you if you have a history of frequent UTIs.

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Further Help For Bladder Pain

If you are concerned about your problem and it is starting to affect your day-to-day life make an appointment to see your doctor as you may need to be referred to a specialist.

If you are experiencing bladder pain you can contact a continence nurse or specialist physiotherapist, who are healthcare professionals who specialise in bladder and bowel problems.

Information on this page has been updated with the help of www.painful-bladder.org. If youd like to read their information sheet on painful bladder / interstitial cystitis please click here.

You can also find information about painful bladder / interstitial cystitis on the Bladder Health UK website bladderhealthuk.org, Email , Telephone 0121 702 0820

Water Is Your Best Friend

When you first notice burning when you use the restroom, its tempting to reduce your water intake. After all, that will prevent the pain, right?

Wrong.

It seems counter-intuitive, but you need to flush out your system. You should drink plenty of water to help your body remove the E. Coli. Dont overdo it, but drink as much water as possible in those crucial first 24 hours.

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Herbal Remedies And Vitamins

No herbal remedy has been proven to treat or prevent a UTI, and not all are tested for safety, so its best to discuss any herbal treatments with a healthcare professional first.

There are some herbal supplements that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can be helpful in treating UTI symptoms.

Studies have shown that certain herbal supplements, like garlic extract, have strong anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the growth of bacteria, including E. coli.

Other natural supplements like D-mannose, a sugar naturally found in foods like cranberries and apples, may have antibacterial properties which can help relieve UTI discomfort. Both can be taken in the form of a capsule.

Cranberry extract or cranberry juice or a vitamin C supplement may also help a UTI go away faster by changing the pH balance of your urine to help keep bacteria from growing.

While not proven to treat a UTI, these may help you feel better faster.

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Infusions For Urinary Tract Infections

To relieve pain and burning when urinating and eliminate bacteria, you can drink 2 cups following infusions :

• Parsley tea: Parlsey, it is diuretic. It also helps to increase the production of urine thanks to its apiol content. In addition, it improves renal function and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
• Mallow infusion: contains components that help deflate the bladder and relieve burning, pain and stinging.
• Thyme: Thyme helps to fight urinary tract infections thanks to its antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Garlic tea: has incredible natural antibiotic properties. These garlic properties can be used to fight against the bacteria that causes urinary tract infections.

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Soothe Bladder Pain With These Foods

If you suffer from Overactive Bladder , Bladder Pain Syndrome, or Interstitial Cystitis , youre probably familiar with the feeling of discomfort and urgency that accompanies normal, everyday activities. One way to soothe bladder pain and control these symptoms is through your diet. Eliminating irritating foods and eating soothing foods should dull some of your bladder pain.

According to the IC Network, there are several foods that can affect your bladder symptoms and soothe bladder pain.

Practice With Kegel Exercises

Kegels are specialized movements we do to strengthen the pelvic floor. It consists basically of holding your urine in the middle of your urinary stream to locate the pelvic muscles in your mind.

Once you find them, contract them repeatedly for a few minutes while sitting, standing, or laying down. This will give you more control over your voiding functions, and symptoms may start to improve after a while.

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Get Your Fill Of Water And Water

One of the first things to do when you have a urinary tract infection is drink plenty of water. Thats because drinking water can help flush away the bacteria thats causing your infection, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . It puts you on the right track for recovery.

Most people can be assured theyre getting the water they need by simply drinking water when thirsty, according to the health and medicine division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. But to be safe, you may want to make sure youre drinking at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. General recommendations have suggested that women get about 91 oz of water daily and men get about 125 oz each day, including water from food, as also noted in that groups report.

Bladder Cancer: Less Common In Women

Bladder cancer is rare, especially in women. Of the roughly 83,730 new diagnoses each year in the United States, about 19,450 are in women, according to the American Cancer Society . The most common symptom is blood in the urine some women also experience a painful, burning sensation when urinating.

Bladder cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. According to the ACS, most people need surgery to remove a tumor or tumors. All or parts of the bladder are removed in severe cases.

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Main Causes Of Bladder Pain

The exact causes of Painful Bladder Syndrome are unknown, with a number of theories being put forward. One such theory suggests an event may act as a trigger to bring on the pain.

Some of these triggers may be:

• Bacterial infection
• Bladder overextension due to long periods without going to the bathroom
• An injury to the nerves in or surrounding the bladder or spinal cord
• Problem due to a surgical procedure or physical injury

Others theorize the symptoms of PBS may arise from several different abnormalities in the bladder itself specifically: the bladder surface, the blood supply to the bladder or to microorganisms present in the bladder.

And yet more suggest bladder pain bladder may result from autoimmunity , or from the release of histamine from elevated numbers of mast cells in the bladder.

What Is The Prognosis For A Person With A Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections typically respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be uncomfortable before you start treatment, but once your healthcare provider identifies the type of bacteria and prescribes the right antibiotic medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. Its important to keep taking your medication for the entire amount of time your healthcare provider prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms arent improving, your provider may test to see if its an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more complicated infections to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics or alternative treatments.

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How Is Interstitial Cystitis Diagnosed

No single test can diagnose IC. And symptoms of IC are a lot like those of other urinary disorders. For these reasons, a variety of tests may be needed to rule out other problems. Your healthcare provider will start by reviewing your medical history and doing a physical exam. Other tests may include:

• Urinalysis. Lab testing of urine to look for certain cells and chemicals. This includes red and white blood cells, germs, or too much protein.

• Urine culture and cytology. Collecting and checking urine for white blood cells and bacteria. Also, if present, what kind of bacteria there are in the urine.

• Cystoscopy. A thin, flexible tube and viewing device, is put in through the urethra to examine the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. This checks for structural changes or blockages.

• Bladder wall biopsy. A test in which tissue samples are removed from the bladder and checked under a microscope to see if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

• Lab exam of prostate secretions . This is done to look for inflammation and/or infection of the prostate.

Determine Which Foods And Drinks Are Your Triggers

This is sometimes easier said than done, however, there are a few dietary offenders that should be eliminated to determine if they trigger your symptoms. These foods and drinks tend to be irritating due to their acidity, diuretic properties or inflammatory action on the bladder. Avoid the following foods and drinks for a period of three weeks to determine if there is improvement: alcohol, coffee, caffeinated tea, spicy foods, citrus fruit, cranberry juice, tomato products, artificial sweeteners, cured meats, MSG and carbonated drinks. This is not an all-inclusive list but a good start if you consume these regularly. Often when I have a look at a patients common dietary choices, I eliminate more foods or test for IgG mediated food sensitivities to look for other foods that may contribute to bladder inflammation.

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Avoid Feminine Hygiene Products With Scents And Chemicals

Using feminine products that have perfumes and other irritating chemicals can introduce disruptive bacteria into your body, Dr. Sherry says. Even more so, Dr. Sherry stresses that if youre prone to UTIs, any products that will allow unwanted bacteria to enter your body should be avoided. Avoid diaphragms, vaginal sponges, diva cups, and sex toys if youre prone to UTIs, she advises.